Philadelphia Eagles Blog - Go Iggles

September 30, 2009

I don't know about you guys, but it sure seems like the offseason gets longer and longer every year. Sure, the NFL does a nice job with the offseason schedule and programming, but I just wish they would get on with the real games already.

Oh, wait, they already started? That's funny -- for Birds fans, it sure seems like we're anxiously watching the opening act and checking our phones to see when the headliners are supposed to come on. As noted in the comments earlier in the week, for all the excitement that typically attends NFL games (and the league has certainly see its fair share of exciting turnarounds and finishes already), the Eagles have played three snoozers. More specifically, all three games have been effectively over by the third quarter.

Add to that the absence of McNabb for about 80 percent of the team's snaps, the revolving door of Greatest Hits Free Agents coming and going (goodbye Jeff Garcia, hello Jeremiah Trotter), the early bye and, of course, Brian Westbrook's retreat to his bubble-wrap cocoon, and well, it sure seems like the Birds extended the month of August to eight weeks. The team's performance has a certain preseason feel as well: two weeks of extreme goodness and one week of let's-just-pretend-that-never-happened-and/ or-admit-the-Saints-look-pretty-organized -- the sort of thing that happens when coaches are trying things out in exhibition games.

And now, with a week off, we wait. Wait to see what the Birds look like with a healthy(ish) McNabb and Michael Vick on the field at the same time. Wait to see if Westbrook still has it or if the future has already arrived and is wearing number 29. Wait to see if DeSean Jackson's 167 pounds can survive the season. Wait to see if Trotter can contribute.

The crazy bit is that we might not learn too much against Tampa and Oakland either. Not that either of those games is a lock (lest we forget the Birds' propensity to cough up an early-season game against a mediocre opponent), but neither team seems particularly dangerous.

So we wait. At the very least, it should keep our collective blood pressure in check (at least until Brad Lidge -- the Good Lord forbid -- takes the mound in a playoff game for the Phightins).

The Eagles' bye week happens to coincide with the week we're putting our house on the market. That means the video rewind can be / is going to be delayed a bit while I take on more immediate tasks like finishing the staining of the deck and regrouting a few tiles in the bathroom.

I'll get to it eventually, I swear, but for now I'm providing a down payment. I mentioned in last week's rewind that Kevin Kolb didn't look great running the option:

Issue #1: Kolb doesn't run this option well at all. Either he's supposed to pitch it that early or he just made a bad read, but the whole point of a QB option is to get one defender to commit to you -- or you run it yourself. Here, he basically just extends the toss.

And here's the accompanying video:

Compare that play to the first option Vick ran in the Chiefs' game:

It looks like the inside linebacker #51 is supposed to be the man who has Vick. But the right side of the line does a good job getting some push and he ends up getting caught in the wash.

That puts the cornerback outside in a bind. He's supposed to play the pitch man, but no one's going to Vick, so if he overcommits outside, Vick is free to run. He tries to split the difference (and does a decent job of it,) but the end result is still a seven-yard gain for Vick, who read the situation perfectly and kept the ball himself to get what he could get.

Granted, we don't particularly want our passing quarterbacks to run the option this way and take these kinds of hits. But this is exactly the sort of dimension Vick can give us that other Wildcatters who don't have his history with the option game can't.

September 29, 2009

I watched the game last night with a friend who is a Cowboys fan. Very, very strangely, I actually found myself rooting for Dallas.

No doubt the biggest reason was the hosting obligation. It's more that a little jerkish to openly root against a guest's team when you don't have a dog in the fight. But as the game when on, I decided there were two other, almost equally important reasons:

1) I really don't like the Panthers. Like, at all. Outside of divisional opponents and the New England Patriots (natch), they may be the team I dislike the most. Way to make an impact, Peppers.

2) I really don't have any fear of the Cowboys. They're a decent team. And with guys like Romo and the scary Felix Jones, they can beat anyone. But overall, it just doesn't look like a team that's headed in the right direction. They were all out of sync in the first half, I'm not impressed with their coaching, and they appear to have some holes at a number of key positions.

Right now, the NFCE looks like a two-team race.

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Things can change quickly in the NFL.

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This is the kind of Monday Tuesday morning quarterbacking I just don't get, on a few levels:

1) This feels like negativity for negativity's sake. The Eagles destroyed the Chiefs in that game. There was very little to criticize. So this is just hunting around to find something bad.

2) Is it just me, or is the tone ridiculously condescending? Andy "might not want to put away his toys when he should"? Sheesh.

3) It conflates two separate criticisms. I happened to think going for it was the right choice (for a variety of reasons we'll get to in a bit). I also happen to think that particular play call was not a good choice. Donellon just mixes them up together.

4) Reid does have a tendency to be a bit over-aggressive. But it's not in the way Donellon suggests. Usually, his issue is that he has too much faith in his defense, so he calls those end of half timeouts to preserve time for his offense, well before it's all that apparent the other team is truly stopped. Those aren't good.

Now, as for why going for it was the right choice, I could write up an explanation ... or, since it's a slow bye week and all, I could just point you right to the source and suggest you read allfourpartshere.

If you're the impatient type, skip to the last part and look at the graphs. Regardless of whether or not you're comfortable with the (truly) aggressive idea that going for it on fourth-and-one is the right call anywhere on the field, it's pretty clear from those charts that going for it on fourth-and-one at the opponent's 44 yard line is one of the most obvious moves you can make. By punting there, you're basically handing the opposing team a free probabilistic point.

[Note: As Brian makes clear, this analysis applies only to "‘typical’ game situations." There will obviously be times coaches shouldn't go "by the book." You don't need to type that out below.]

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As for the playcall itself, I thought that was dumb. We signed Jason Peters and Leonard Weaver for a reason. Might as well use them.

That Andy Reid wouldn't let a running back as talented as Brian Westbrook play regularly until he had mastered the nuances of reading, reacting and blocking a blitz by a linebacker or safety.

This Andy Reid all but turned Sunday's game against the Chiefs over to rookie LeSean McCoy.

This idea that Andy has "changed" sort of assumes the Eagles had much choice in the matter.

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Vick wasn't adecoy on Sunday. In last week's video rewind, I questioned whether the Eagles were actually running the spread option, because it looked like the decision on where the ball should go was being made pre-play, from the sidelines. The plays looked like options, but if you tell DeSean "hand the ball to Westbrook on this one," it's really just a run.

I have no way of knowing if that observation is true or not, but it's how it looked on television.

... I thought (Eagles QB Michael (Vick) did a good job there when he came in. Although he really didn't get a chance to really pull and show his stuff, he was making perfect reads and we talked about that, both of us, 'Hey let's just read it out and let the game come to us.' The big plays were happening and so everybody wants to see a flash, but he has to do what's right with the ball and he did that all day."

If Vick's lined up at wide receiver and he runs a fake end around, that's a decoy. If he's taking the snap and making the correct reads all day in handing the ball off, that's effective option quarterback play.

For a guy who didn't have the most "team focused" reputation to be willing to play the right way and take what the defense gives him is encouraging. Keep it up and the big gains will eventually come.

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Isn't the problem that he's done at least two, if not all three, of these things?

September 28, 2009

Also, I'd mention this too, but ... yeah, that sucked. After watching that awful performance and the way the Phillies blew yet another ballgame on Saturday, I didn't have the happiest of sports thoughts heading into yesterday's games.

Apparently, Joe Mays is a linebacker who doesn't play special teams. That is a rare variety of LB, and one that, frankly, I am suspicious of. Last year, despite dressing for two games, he wasn't asked to play. This week, he dressed for the first time and again wasn't asked to play. It isn't like we can't use him; we are lining up two starting LBs on STs right now. You have to wonder if he will dress when (ok, if) everyone gets healthy. Heck, you have to wonder if he'd keep his roster spot if they find a veteran linebacker to add to the roster. That's not the player we thought we had prior to Stewart Bradley going down.

[EDIT:Just watched the STs plays for the game quickly. He did play a bit on kick coverage (not every play). But apparently not well enough to get any love from the coaching staff -- or the Eagles media relations folks screwed up the table, which is probably equally likely. He appears for the first time on the kickoff after we made it 14-0 at the end of the first quarter. He then appears for the first time on the punt return unit at the very end of the first half and comes dang close to a pair of blocks in the back. Generally, he doesn't have an impact, he is away from plays or late to them, etc. He gets called out by the announcers at the kickoff to start the second half, but he was piling on, not making a tackle. Closest I saw him come to making a play.]

Other Week 3 special teams observations:

Brandon Gibson and Reggie Brown also did not play on special teams. Reggie isn't really a surprise. He hadn't been a real member of the STs before and there isn't really any need to start now. Gibson, on the other hand, is a guy that some thought would have an edge on Brown for the imaginary last roster spot because he might be able to contribute on STs. Apparently, not so much.

With Tracy White replacing him in the nickel defense, Akeem Jordan's special teams role has expanded. Jordan was by far the best special teamer the Eagles had in 2007 and 2008, but that fact was obscured a bit because he was on the practice squad for the first part of 07 and was starting and had his STs role reduced the last part of 08. In short, an increased role is very good news for the special teams units, if not for the defense. Note, it was also nice to see that playing nickel LB didn't hurt White's performance on STs any.

Akers got some love from the graders for putting all three second half kickoffs into the end zone, two of which were touchbacks.

I got a good look at Sheldon Brown and Sean Jones jamming the other team's gunner on a couple of punts during the game. Jones in particular was just abusing his man.

Eldra Buckley hasn't stood out to me on STs since the preseason (he only has one tackle credited to him), but he has been getting pretty solid marks from the staff throughout, and is currently second overall on the team in terms of points. He also is tied for fifth on the team in special teams blocks (14) and is second on the team in number of times being first downfield in coverage (4), so he is doing the dirty work that keeps players like him earning NFL paychecks.

I agree with Derek: there was no way the Eagles should have fallen for the fake punt. And I saw an article on how the Eagles "only" drew 2 STs flags this week. The mental mistakes this year are hard to fathom. On KRs, I understand the flags somewhat, because the rules with the wedge have changed how those are blocked enough that more holding calls are an expected side effect as teams adjust. What is most baffling is the volume of penalties on the rest of the units.

And now the data. For discussions of what these production points are, see week 1 and week 2 posts.

Play breakdown (this week was all about punt returns and kickoff coverage):

How exceptionally courteous of the NFL schedule-makers to ship the Kansas City Chiefs to Philadelphia just a week after the Eagles had been thoroughly shamed by the formidable New Orleans Saints! While the Saints have blown out each of their three opponents (winning by an average of 21 points per game), the Chiefs lost to the Raiders at home last week. This was essentially the equivalent of the University of Florida bringing Charleston Southern for a visit.

The game finished 34-14, but it didn't really feel that close. Further observations from the stands (and the parking lot):

Needle drugs! Yikes, what was with all the talk of needles and painkillers in the post-game sessions with DeSean Jackson? Are we supposed to consider the creepy decisions that 21-year-old kids are forced to make (with millions of dollars on the line)? Couldn't we just focus on the jackassery that was the cartwheel that (a) shouldn't be that easy to pull off if your groin is hurt and (b) wasn't actually that easy to pull off since it forced Jackson out of the game for a couple series.

Awkward post-game quotes (Part 1). Also, DeSean, I know you're from the Facebook generation and all your
friends post nekkid pictures of themselves on the Internet, but don't
ever say things like this to a microphone ever again: "The shot worked out pretty good, eh? I might be addicted to that shot."

Michael Vick is relatively disposable. The argument regarding why NFL teams don't run the spread typically includes some notes about how you just can't afford to have an NFL starter take the hits that you'll need to take to run the spread. But what if you have an NFL quarterback on a rental contract who's so out of favor and desperate to prove himself that he's willing to take some of those shots? Hmmmm. From Vick: "I've taken plenty of hits before and I still feel like I can take a
hit," Vick said. "I got rocked a couple of times real good and I was
able to get up from it and keep moving. That's what is going to happen
running this kind of offense that we're running with me in the game.
It's just football and I can go out there and take those shots. If
they're limited, then I think I can do it for 16 weeks."

The defense humiliated the Chiefs. In case we were worried about the defense having their feelings hurt by the Saints, they thoroughly shoved the Chiefs around, to the point where it seemed like the Eagles weren't even bothering with a safety. As in, we know you're not going to throw it more than six yards down the field (if you bother to throw at all). Pretty impressive show from the Birds. Can't argue with holding the Chiefs to 0-for-11 on third down.

Awkward post-game quotes (Part 2). Yes, Quintin Mikell, the defense had a big day, but let's go easy on the talk of hurting other teams' quarterbacks; bad for karma: "A little bit. Our front four, when it's time for passes, they get
after it. So I wasn't surprised, they probably still tried to stay
balanced. If you're back there every play, and the front four know it's
going to be a pass, it's lights out, and you don't want to get your
quarterback injured."

Speaking of, I ran out of synonyms for cowardly. Todd Haley, you did not impress. I'm sure whatever master plan you have for the Chiefs is fiendishly clever over the long run, but yesterday you and your team looked like sissies. You at least have to try to throw the ball to pick up long first downs. Running the draw on third-and-long makes sense when you've been successfully passing. Very wimpy stuff from the Chiefs. Mr Haley is going to have a tough time splainin' this one to his hometown papers.

Fashionista. So is this a clever new way to wear a necktie, or was Quintin Mikell just really hurried getting out of the locker room? Traditionally, the tie fits under the collar.

DeSean is the new Westbrook. Apparently we have something of a meme brewing in re: the CamelCased One. Rich Hoffman joined the movement this week: "Jackson is the Eagles' most exciting player, taking over the mantle from Brian Westbrook. No one would dispute that now." I'm with ya, Rich.

And finally, the Big Thank You. Thanks to everyone for showing up in the rain to hang out with us yesterday morning. It was cool enough for Derek, Sam and I to all meet in 3-D, but it was even better to meet some of you as well. Special thanks to everyone who contributed: Chris with the car, coolers and beer, Diana, Joe, and Corey with the chip-dispensing helment and tents (yes, we had two tents), Patrick with the table, Mrs. BountyBowl with the cupcakes. Lots of goodness out there. Hopefully we'll do it again in the future. In addition to the cupcakes, we also had sandwiches (you knew I wasn't going to pass up an opportunity for more food porn).

September 27, 2009

First off, thanks again to the guys (and gals) who came out to the first IgglesBlog tailgate on Sunday. It was a good time meeting you all, and I hope you enjoyed the cupcakes.

I have a few thoughts on the game, although fewer than normal, since instead of typing down things that came up I just discussed them with the two guys sitting next to me.

Obviously, this was a nice win, albeit over a team so bad they decided the most prudent course of action would be to help us run the clock out in the second half, since you know we're not going to do that. The Eagles looked really good, but we're still in that silly part of the schedule, where no one knows how good anyone else is and the only really definitive conclusions you can draw are: 1) We're better than the Chiefs and 2) We're not better than the Saints.

It will be interesting doing the rewind, since it will be the first time I get to see all those plays from that angle. However, the nice thing about our seats (high up in the end zone) is that we could see a few things we get less of on television, like:

LeSean McCoy really does carry the ball low and away from his body. When you can see daylight from behind, 24 rows up in the upper deck, you know there's some separation.

Kolb's miss is behind guys on crossing routes. We all know what McNabb's miss is. Kolb's seems to be throwing behind guys on crossing routes. I don't know if he's just not used to their speed or what, but there were the two last week, plus a number this week. Even the DeSean touchdown was behind him and #10 just made a great play on the ball.

It's a scarier miss than "into the ground," because if the receiver is open, generally the guy he beat is running behind him ...

Jason Peters has cleaned up the wide rusher issue. Remember a few weeks ago when Peters was having some issues with rushers lined up way outside of him down the line. In this game, KC kept putting a down LB waaaaaay out there to try to get pressure and Peters was having none of it.

Macho Harris played a ton of deep safety today. (Un)fortunately, the Chiefs' Matt Cassell had zero time to throw downfield, so we didn't really get to see him challenged.

Sav Rocca is not the most consistent practice punter. In fact, I think he's now generally being referred to as the Sav Rocca Experiment. As in, the SRE might be nearing an end here pretty soon.

Lastly, this has nothing to do with being at the game. But you know expectations have been lowered when the special teams commits a penalty and gives up a first down on a fake punt (at an obvious "watch the fake" time of the game) and everyone's like, "Yeah, good job by the special teams taking a step forward today."

With Donovan McNabb doubtful and Brian Westbrook questionable for the Chiefs, there's a chance that Maclin will essentially round out the skill-position-player-of-the-future lineup for the Birds. That is, Kevin Kolb at quarterback, Shady McCoy starting at tailback, and DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin at wideout. The future (figure at least the 2011 version) is now, at least for a week.

Deep breath.

While this doesn't seem to trouble Las Vegas too much (the line has dropped a bit in the last 24 hours, but it's still sitting at -7.5 for the Birds), I'll admit it makes me a little nervous, especially because it isn't like the rest of the team looked terribly organized last week. Add in the dodgy weather (and don't pretend you don't think that McCoy is coughing up the ball at least once tomorrow), the Birds' traditional pre-bye-week struggles (4-6 in their last 10, if my math is correct...oh wait, it wasn't: 3-7) and Sunday feels like the sort of game that perhaps deserves a more narrow point spread (if you follow that sort of thing).

(Of course, maybe the Chiefs are actually terrible. These are the sorts of things I don't actually know.)

Either way, the kids will get their shot tomorrow at the Linc. Let's hope they're on good behavior, at least until the adults are back.

September 25, 2009

I mean, it's pretty nuts that it's Trotter, but it's not that surprising they're looking at some MLB options.

Gaither looked less gimpy in the second game (not that it helped), but he still doesn't seem like he's totally right. Mays returned to practice this week, but we won't know if he's 100 percent until we see him on the field.

Not to mention the whole "losing his job" thing.

It's pretty nuts that we're only two games into the season and there are viable pathways for Trot, Runyan and Jeff Garcia to all be on this team.

Just another day in the life for the league's best roster.

I'm flying into Philly for the weekend through DFW. If I see a skinny guy with a neck beard and a toothbrush on my flight, I'll let you know.